After an incredible season with the Spanish giants, Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has earned the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season accolade. Real Madrid won their 14th UCL title thanks to the French striker’s 15 goals in the league.
Karim joined the iconic Spanish club from Lyon in 2009 and has since been a major member of the squad, winning numerous championships. The 2022 season marked the first time Benzema scored twice in a single UCL season, and his 15 goals also made him the competition’s top scorer this year.
Notably, Benzema scored 10 of his fifteen goals in the Champions League knockout stages, including a match-winning hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Following his outstanding form, the French striker struck a treble against Chelsea to eliminate the defending champions from the competition.
After that, a hat-trick against English champions Manchester City was the frosting on the cake for Real Madrid and Benzema’s season.
The ‘Panenka’ penalty against Manchester City in Real Madrid’s incredible comeback would be Benzema’s season highlight.
“He gets better every day, like wine,” his coach Carlo Ancelotti explained last month.
“Every day he becomes an even better leader, and feels more how important he is for the team and for the club. We are really happy and lucky to have him.”
Real Madrid was crowned European Champions on Sunday after defeating Liverpool 1-0 at the Stade de France in Paris (May 29). Both teams were vying for the UEFA Champions League championship for the 2022 season, so it was a high-intensity battle.
In a match between two European giants, Klopp’s men created more chances but lacked the resolve to convert them. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, on the other hand, was intent on defending with their hearts out and attacking with whatever they had.
Vinicius named Champions League Young Player of the Season
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has been selected the UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season for the season 2021/22 by UEFA’s Technical Observer panel.
The 21-year-old Brazilian winger concluded a breakout season by scoring the game-winning goal in the Stade de France final against Liverpool, burying Federico Valverde’s cross-shot at the far post in the 59th minute.
It was his fourth goal of the Champions League season, and he had six assists, which was only surpassed by Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
As the duo had a solid relationship, the majority of their assists set up goals for 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season Karim Benzema.
Vinicius Junior excelled with his pace, quick feet, and creative flair, while Benzema offered power and predatory instincts!
